Arsenal keep up pursuit of centre backs

Cahill and one other on Wenger's list

MR Wenger is set to look to the North-West in the search for reliable defensive options.

After losing out to Phil Jones, who instead decided to join Manchester United, Arsenal are keen on bringing Bolton's Gary Cahill and Blackburn's Christopher Samba to the Emirates, according to the Mirror.

The Gunners have been heavily criticised over the past few years for being too weak at the back. Arsene Wenger has tried and failed to bring in 'Premier League standard' centre halves including, Seb Squillaci, Laurent Koscielny and Phillipe Senderos. The only success in that area has to be Thomas Vermaelen, who is now to looking for some stern material to partner him at the heart of Arsenal next season.

The report suggests that Samba would be interested in the move to London, but a fee of £12m would have to be agreed.

As for Cahill, many top clubs have been in for the England senior. With an asking price of £17m, it's going to be hard for Arsenal to battle out that price with Manchester City, who are known to be interested.